A local councilor from Reform UK has been photographed with what appears to be a swastika tattoo on his arm, although his wife insists it is a symbol of peace associated with Buddhism.
Andy Arnold, a newly elected councilor in Barnsley, was captured in several photos over nearly a decade displaying a small tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol on his arm, shared in a public Facebook group. Despite the visual similarity, Theresa Arnold, who is also a councilor with Reform, clarified that the tattoo symbolizes Buddhist peace and has been misinterpreted.
The tattoo is visible on Mr. Arnold’s forearm in multiple pictures posted on the Facebook page of a business named Taattoo in Wombwell, South Yorkshire, owned by Theresa Arnold.
In the photos dating back to 2018, Mr. Arnold, representing Wombwell, can be seen working on clients while wearing a vest, with the tattoo visible on his upper arm. The most recent picture was taken in 2024, and the images caused controversy online when they resurfaced recently.
It has been reported that Mr. Arnold has since covered up the tattoo with a new design.
Mrs. Arnold addressed the speculation surrounding the tattoo, stating that her husband briefly explored Buddhism in his late teens and had the symbol inked during that phase. She emphasized that he has no ties to Nazism or any extremist beliefs. The tattoo was eventually covered due to frequent misunderstandings, as people associated it incorrectly with something unrelated to its original religious significance.
Reform UK has been reached out to by SWNS for a response.